Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:1 God has heard the woman who argues with you regarding her husband, and she complains to God. God hears the argument between you. God is Hearer, Seer.1

Note 1

This is the only chapter that contains the word Allah (God) in each verse.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:1 God has heard the woman who has argued with you regarding her husband, and she complained to God. And God hears the argument between you. God is Hearer, Seer.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:1 GOD has indeed heard the words of her who pleads with thee concerning her husband, and complains Unto God.1 And God does hear what you both have to say:2 verily, God is all-hearing, all-seeing.

Note 1classical commentators, this is a reference to the case of Khawlah (or Khuwaylah) bint Thalabah, whose husband Aws ibn as-Samit divorced her by pronouncing the arbitrary pre-Islamic oath known as zihar (explained in note 3 on 33:4). When she pleaded before the Prophet against this divorce - which deprived her of all her marital rights and, at the same time, made it impossible for her to remarry - the iniquitous custom of zihar was abolished by the revelation of verses 2-4 of this surah. In view of the sequence, as well as of several Traditions to this effect, there is no doubt that the above verse alludes, in the first instance, to the divine condemnation of zihar. However the deliberately unspecified reference to "her who pleads concerning her husband" seems to point to all cases where a wife has reason to complain against her husband: that is to say, not merely to an appeal against an unjustified or cruel divorce, but also to a wife's demand for release from an unbearable marriage. Such dissolution of the marriage-tie at the wife's instance - termed khul - is fully sanctioned by the shari'ah on the basis of 2:229 and a number of extremely well-authenticated Traditions. (For a fuller discussion of this problem, see note 218 on the second paragraph of 2: 229.)

Note 2Lit., "does hear the mutual contentions of both of you (tahawurakuma)", i.e., of husband and wife alike, embracing with His infinite wisdom and justice the innermost motivations of both. Alternatively - if the above verse is understood as referring specifically to the case of Khawlah - the second person indicated by the suffix kuma ("both of you") may relate to the Prophet, who, before the revelation of this surah, thought that a divorce through zihar was valid and, therefore, repeatedly told Khawlah, "Thou art now indeed unlawful to him" (Tabari). This opinion was subsequently - almost immediately - reversed by the divine prohibition of zihar expressed in verses 2 ff.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:1 GOD has heard the woman who debated with you about her husband, and complained to GOD. GOD heard everything the two of you discussed. GOD is Hearer, Seer.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:1 God has heard her who pleads with you (O Prophet) concerning her husband, and complains to God. And God has heard your mutual dialogue. God is Hearer, Seer.1

Note 1

This is the 58th Surah of the Qur’an and it has 22 verses. This Surah shines with a beautiful example of freedom of expression in the court of God and the Prophet. Every time we seek guidance from the Book of God we must remind ourselves to do some act of kindness. Confidential meetings of any sort must not disregard collective good. Believers must make room for one another to succeed in the society.

With the Glorious Name of God, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:2 Those among you who estrange their wives by saying to them: "You are as my mother." They can never be as their mothers, for their mothers are the women who gave birth to them. Indeed, they are uttering what is strange and a falsehood. God is Pardoner, Forgiver.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:2 Those among you who have estranged their women; they can never be made as their mothers, for their mothers are those who gave birth to them. Indeed, they are uttering what is strange and a falsehood. And God is Pardoner, Forgiver.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:2 As for those of you who [henceforth] separate themselves from their wives by saying, Thou art as unlawful to me as my mother",3 [let them bear in mind that] they can never be [as] their mothers: none are their mothers save those who gave them birth: and so, behold, they but utter a saying that runs counter to reason,4 and is [therefore] false. But, behold, God is indeed an absolver of sins, much-forgiving:

Note 3For this explanatory rendering of the verb yuzahirun, see surah 33 note 3. My interpolation of the word "henceforth" is necessary in view of the fact that the custom of zihar - in its sense of a definitive act of divorce - had been abolished by verses 2-4 of the present surah.

Note 4For this particular rendering of the term munkar, see surah 16 note 109.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:2 Those among you who estrange their wives (by declaring them as forbidden in sex) as their mothers know full well that they are not their mothers. Their mothers are the women who gave birth to them. Indeed, they are committing a blasphemy and a falsehood. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.,1

Note 1Estranging a wife by declaring that she is like one's mother was an
ancient tradition in Arabia. This is the only sura where the word ``Allah''occurs in every verse.

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:2 Those of you who ‘divorce’ their wives by calling them their mothers, they, by no means, become their mothers. Their mothers are only those who gave birth to them. And so they only utter what is contrary to reason, and thus, false. God is Absolver of faults, Forgiving.2

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:3 Those who had estranged their wives in this manner, then they again repeat it, they shall free a slave before they have sexual contact between them. This is to enlighten you. God is well aware of everything you do.2

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:3 Those who had estranged their women, then they retracted what they had said, they shall free a slave before they have sexual contact between them. This is to enlighten you. God is well aware of everything you do.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:3 hence, as for those who would separate themselves from their wives by saying, Thou art as unlawful to me as my mother", and thereafter would go back on what they have said, [their atonement] shall be the freeing of a human being from bondage5 before the couple may touch one another again: this you are [hereby] exhorted to do - for God is fully aware of all that you do.6

Note 5I.e., the freeing or purchasing the freedom of a slave or captive. In modern times, when slavery is more or less non-existent, the concept of tahrir raqabah may, I believe, be legitimately extended to the redeeming of a human being from the bondage of debt or of great poverty.

Note 6Cf. 2:225 - "God will not take you to task for oaths which you may have uttered without thought, but will take you to task [only] for what your hearts have conceived [in earnest]".

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:3 Those who estrange their wives in this manner, then reconcile thereafter, shall atone by freeing a slave before resuming their sexual relations. This is to enlighten you. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:3 So, those of you who have made senseless declarations about their wives, estranged them, and then wish to go back on their utterance - they should free a human being from bondage before the couple may have intimate relations with each other. This you are admonished to perform. God is aware of all you do.3

Note 3Freeing from bondage includes relieving someone from any kind of oppression and from a crushing burden of debt

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:4 If he cannot find anyone, then he shall fast two consecutive months before any sexual contact between them. If he cannot, then he shall feed sixty poor people. That is so you would acknowledge God and His messenger. These are the limits set by God. Those who do not appreciate have incurred a painful retribution.3

Note 3

The beginning of the verse, "faman lam yajid" (literally: as for the one who does not find), clearly indicates that the slaves instructed to be freed in the previous verse are not expected to belong to muslims. Otherwise, an expression such as "if one does not possess" should have been used. Slavery is prohibited by the Quran as one of the greatest sins. See: 3:79; 4:3; 5:89; 8:67; 24:32; 58:3; 90:13; 2:286; 12:39; 79:24.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:4 If he cannot find any, then he shall fast two consecutive months before any sexual contact between them. If he cannot, then he shall feed sixty poor people. That is so you would believe in God and His messenger. And these are the boundaries set by God. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:4 However, he who does not have the where­withal shall fast [instead] for two consecutive months7 before the couple may touch one another again; and he who is unable to do it shall feed sixty needy ones:8 this, so that you might prove your faith in God and His Apostle.9 Now these are the bounds set by God; and grievous suffering [in the life to come] awaits all who deny the truth.

Note 7I.e., in the manner prescribed for fasting during the month of Ramadan (see 2:183). As regards the phrase "he who does not find the wherewithal (lam yajid)", it may indicate either a lack of financial means or the impossibility of finding anyone else who could be redeemed from factual or figurative bondage (see note 5 above). According to many Islamic scholars of our times (e.g., Rashid Rida, commenting on 4:92), this relates, in the first instance, to circumstances in which "slavery will have been abolished in accordance with the aim of Islam" (Manar V, 337).

Note 8Or, alternatively, one needy person for sixty days. The inability to fast for two consecutive months may be due either to ill-health or to really compelling external circumstances (for instance, the necessity of performing labours which require great physical and/or mental vigour and alertness).

Note 9Sc., "by showing that you have renounced the practices of the Time of Ignorance" (Razi). In other words, the pronouncement of zihar is not to be considered a divorce, as was the case in pre-Islamic times, but solely as a reprehensible act which must be atoned for by a sacrifice.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:4 If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall fast two consecutive months before resuming sexual relations. If you cannot fast, then you shall feed sixty poor people. You shall believe in GOD and His messenger. These are GOD's laws. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:4 However, he who cannot find a bonded person, let him observe daytime ‘Saum’for two consecutive months before the couple may intimately touch each other. And if he is unable to do that either, he should arrange the feeding of sixty needy ones. This is so that you may be true to your faith in God and His Messenger. These are the bounds ordained by God. For the deniers is a painful doom.4

Note 4‘Saum’ 2:183. The State will help if the violator is old, sick or poor. 4:64

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:5 Those who oppose God and His messenger will be disgraced, like their previous counterparts were disgraced. We have sent down clear proofs, and the ingrates have incurred a shameful retribution.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:5 Those who oppose God and His messenger will be disgraced, like their previous counterparts were disgraced. We have sent down clear proofs, and the rejecters have incurred a shameful retribution.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:5 Verily, those who contend against God and His Apostle shall be brought low even as those [evildoers] who lived before them were brought low after We had bestowed [on them] clear messages from on high.10 And [so,] for those who deny the truth there will be shameful suffering in store

Note 10Sc., "which they chose to disregard". Thus, proceeding from the particular to the general, the present passage connects with the reference, at the end of verse 4, to "all who deny the truth", i.e., of divine revelation.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:5 Surely, those who fight GOD and His messenger are committed to defeat, like their previous counterparts were committed to defeat. We have sent down clear proofs, and the rejectors have incurred a shameful retribution.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:5 Those who oppose God and His Messenger will be disgraced as were disgraced those before their times. Thus, We have sent down clear messages, and the rejecters will have a humiliating doom.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:6 The day when God resurrects them all, then He informs them of what they had done. God has recorded it, while they have forgotten it. God witnesses all things.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:6 The Day when God resurrects them all, then He informs them of what they had done. God has recorded it, while they have forgotten it. God witnesses all things.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:6 on the Day when God will raise them all from the dead and will make them truly understand all that they did [in life]: God will have taken [all of] it into account, even though they [themselves] may have forgotten it - for God is wit­ness unto everything.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:6 The day will come when GOD will resurrect them all, then inform them of everything they had done. GOD has recorded everything, while they have forgotten it. GOD witnesses all things.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:6 On the Day when God will raise all of them together, He will inform them of what they truly accomplished. God keeps a meticulous record and they would have forgotten it. God is Witness over all things.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)God is Omnipresent58:7 Do you not realize that God knows everything in the heavens and everything on earth? No three people can meet secretly without Him being their fourth, nor five without Him being the sixth, nor less than that, nor more, without Him being there with them wherever they may be. Then, on the day of resurrection, He will inform them of everything they had done. God is fully aware of all things.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:7 Do you not realize that God knows everything in the heavens and everything on the earth? No three people can meet secretly without Him being their fourth, nor five without Him being the sixth, nor less than that, nor more, without Him being there with them wherever they may be. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of everything they had done. God is fully aware of all things.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:7 ART THOU NOT aware that God knows all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth? Never can there be a secret confabulation between three persons without His being the fourth of them, nor between five without His being the sixth of them; and neither between less than that, or more, without His being with them wherever they may he. But in the end, on Resurrection Day, He will make them truly understand what they did: for, verily, God has full knowledge of everything.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)God is With You Now58:7 Do you not realize that GOD knows everything in the heavens and everything on earth? No three people can conspire secretly without Him being their fourth, nor five without Him being the sixth, nor less than that, nor more, without Him being there with them wherever they may be. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of everything they had done. GOD is fully aware of all things.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:7 Do you not realize that God knows all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. There is no secret meeting of three but He is their fourth, nor of five but He is their sixth, nor of less than that or more but He is with them wherever they may be. And ultimately, on the Day of Resurrection, He will make them understand what they really accomplished. God is Knower of all things and events.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:8 Have you noted those who were forbidden from holding meetings in secret, but then insist on it? They meet secretly to commit sin, transgression, and disobedience of the messenger. When they come to you, they greet you with a greeting other than what God greets you with. They say inside themselves: "Why does God not punish us for our utterances?" Hell will be sufficient for them, wherein they burn; what a miserable destiny.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:8 Have you noted those who were prohibited from holding meetings in secret, but then they go back to what they have been prohibited from? They meet secretly to commit sin, transgression, and disobedience of the messenger. When they come to you, they greet you with a greeting other than that which God greets you with. They say inside themselves: "Why does God not punish us for our utterances?" Hell will be sufficient for them, wherein they burn; what a miserable destiny.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:8 Art thou not aware of such as have been for­bidden [to intrigue through] secret confabulations,11 and yet [always] revert to that which they have been forbidden, and conspire with one another with a view to sinful doings, and aggressive conduct, and dis­obedience to the Apostle?12 Now whenever such [people] approach thee, [O Muhammad,]13 they salute thee with a greeting which God has never countenanced;14 and they say to themselves, Why does not God chastise us for what we are saying?"15 Hell shall be their allotted portion: they shall [in­deed] enter it - and how vile a journey's end!

Note 11The prohibition referred to here arises from the Quranic statement, "No good comes, as a rule, out of secret confabulations - save those which are devoted to enjoining charity, or equitable dealings, or setting things to rights between people" (see 4:114 and the corresponding note 138). Although there is no doubt that, as the classical commentators point out, the "secret con­fabulations" spoken of in this passage relate to intrigues aimed against the Prophet and his followers by some of their unbelieving contemporaries, there is no doubt, either, that the passage has a general import, and is, therefore, valid for all times.

Note 12I.e., in the wider sense, disobedience to the Apostle's ethical teachings.

Note 13The reference to "approaching" the Prophet has here a twofold meaning, relating literally to his unbelieving contemporaries, and figuratively to an intellectual "approach" to his person and his teachings by hostile critics of all later times. The same observation is valid with regard to the next clause as well.

Note 14Lit., "with which God has never saluted thee". Historically, this is an allusion to the hostile attitude of the Jews of Medina towards the Prophet. It is recorded that instead of pronouncing the traditional greeting "Peace be upon thee" when encountering him, some of them used to mumble the word salam ("peace") in such a way as to make it indistinguishable from sam ("death"); and they employed the same scurrilous play of words with regard to the Prophet's Companions as well. (The relevant ahadith are quoted in full, with indication of the sources, by Tabari and Ibn Kathir in their commentaries on the above verse.) But see also the preceding note.

Note 15Sc., "if Muhammad is truly a prophet".

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)Do Not Conspire58:8 Have you noted those who were enjoined from conspiring secretly, then insist on conspiring? They conspire to commit sin, transgression, and disobedience of the messenger. When they come to you, they greet you with a greeting other than that decreed by GOD. They say inside themselves, "GOD will not punish us for our utterances." Their only requital is Gehenna, wherein they burn; what a miserable destiny.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:8 Have you not noticed those who were forbidden to hold secret meetings, and yet they revert to what they were forbidden? They hold secret meetings for hampering progress, creating dissension in the society, and disobeying the Messenger. And when they come to you (O Messenger), they do not greet you in the way that God greets you. And they say to themselves, “Why does not God punish us for what we say?” Sufficient for them is Hell wherein they will burn. And how miserable is that destination!5

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:9 O you who acknowledge, if you must meet secretly, then you shall not meet to commit sin, transgression, and to disobey the messenger. You shall meet to work righteousness and piety. Be aware of God, before whom you will be summoned.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:9 O you who believe, if you must meet secretly, then you shall not meet to commit sin, transgression, and to disobey the messenger. You shall meet to work righteousness and piety. And be aware of God, before whom you will be summoned.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:9 [Hence,] O you who have attained to faith, when you do hold secret confabulations, do not conspire with one another with a view to sinful doings, and aggressive conduct, and disobedience to the Apostle,16 but [rather] hold counsel in the cause of virtue and God-consciousness: and [always] remain conscious of God, unto whom you all shall be gathered.

Note 16See note 12.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:9 O you who believe, if you have to confer secretly, you shall not confer to commit sin, transgression, and to disobey the messenger. You shall confer to work righteousness and piety. You shall reverence GOD, before whom you will be summoned.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:9 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! If you have to confer secretly, never do it for hampering progress, dissension or disobedience of the Messenger. But confer to expand opportunities in the society and consolidate the gains you have made. And remain mindful of God to Whom you all shall be gathered.6

Note 6Birr = Usually translated as the vague and mundane ‘good’ = Creating room for fellow humans to make progress = Virtue = Make expanse = Make room for others in the society = Help people to adjust and make progress in a new environment = Exponential growth. Taqwa = Seeking to journey through life in security = Protect oneself from disintegration of the personality = Being observant = Journeying in security = Being careful = Getting empowered against evil = Avoid overstepping the laws = Consolidating the gains = Exercising caution = Guarding oneself against deterioration = Good conduct = Building character = Choosing to live upright = Fear the consequences of violating Divine Commands = Being mindful of the Creator = Remaining conscious of the Divinely ordained Values = Taking precaution

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:10 The secret meetings are from the devil, to cause grief to those who acknowledged. However, he cannot harm them except by God's will. In God those who acknowledge shall put their trust.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:10 Secret meetings are from the devil, to cause grief to those who believed. However, he cannot harm them except if God wills. In God the believers shall put their trust.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:10 [All other kinds of] secret confabulations are but of Satan's doing, so that he might cause grief to those who have attained to faith; yet he cannot harm them in the least, unless it be by God's leave:17 in God, then, let the believers place their trust!

Note 17I.e., in and by itself, the force of evil epitomized in the concept of "Satan" has no power whatever: cf. 14:22 - "I had no power at all over you: I but called you - and you responded unto me. Hence, blame not me, but blame yourselves." (See also Razi's views quoted in my note 31 on the above-mentioned verse.) As regards the problem of God's "letting" or "allowing" a person to go astray (implied in the phrase "unless it be by God's leave"), see note 4 on 14:4.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:10 Secret conspiracy is the devil's idea, through which he seeks to hurt those who believed. However, he cannot hurt them against GOD's will. In GOD the believers shall trust.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:10 Secret counsels are inspired by Satan (the selfish desires), in order to cause grief to the believers. But he cannot harm them in the least contrary to the laws of God. So, in God should the believers put their trust.7

Note 7Satan, the selfish desires, cannot harm the believers unless they forsake Divine Commands. 15:42, 17:65, 38:83. In these verses, 9 and 10, the terms Ithm, ‘Udwaan, Birr, Taqwa have been translated in their broad and exact Qur’anic sense

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)During Conventions, Assemblies, Conferences58:11 O you who acknowledge, if you are told to make room in the councils, then you shall make room. God will then make room for you. If you are asked to step down, then step down. God will raise those among you who acknowledge, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. God is fully aware of everything you do.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:11 O you who believe, if you are told to make room in the assemblies, then you shall make room. God will then make room for you. And if you are told to leave, then leave. God will raise those among you who believe, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. God is fully aware of everything you do.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:11 O YOU who have attained to faith! When you are told, Make room for one another in your collective life", do make room:18 [and in return,] God will make room for you [in His grace].19 And whenever you are told, Rise up [for a good deed]", do rise up;20 [and] God will exalt by [many] degrees those of you who have attained to faith and, [above all,] such as have been vouchsafed [true] knowledge:* for God is fully aware of all that you do.

Note 18Lit., "in the assemblies (al-majalis)". Although it is frequently assumed that this refers to the assemblies held by the Prophet, when his followers would throng around him in their eagerness the better to hear what he had to say, or - more generally - to congregations in mosques, etc., in later times, I am (with Razi) of the opinion that the plural noun majalis is used here in a tropical or metaphorical sense, denoting the totality of men's social life. Taken in this sense, the "making room for one another" implies the mutual providing of opportunities for a decent life to all - and especially to the needy or handicapped - members of the community. See also next note.

Note 19Commenting on this passage, Razi says: "This verse indicates that if one widens the means (ahwab) of happiness and well-being of God's creatures (ibad), God will widen for him all that is good in this life and in the hereafter. Hence, no reasonable person (al-aqil) could ever restrict (the purport of) this verse to merely making room for one another in an [actual] assembly."

Note 20The interpretation implied in the words "for a good deed" interpolated by me above is analogous to that offered by most of the classical commentators, and most explicitly by Tabari; in the words of Qatadah (ibid.), "Whenever you are called upon to do a good deed, respond to this call."

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:11 O you who believe, if you are told, "Please make room," you shall make room for each other to sit. GOD will then make room for you. If you are asked to get up and move, get up and move. GOD raises those among you who believe, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:11 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you are told to make room in the assemblies (and accommodate one another in your society), do make room. God will open up His resources for you. And when you are told to rise up, do rise up (to the occasion). God will exalt to high ranks those of you who choose to believe and who attain knowledge. God is Aware of all you do.8

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)Lobbying58:12 O you who acknowledge, if you wish to hold a private meeting with the messenger, you shall offer a charity before you do so. This is better for you, and purer. If you cannot afford it, then God is Forgiver, Compassionate.4

Note 4

Muhammed was appointed by God as a messenger and was accepted by muslims, with their free will, as a messenger of God. Muhammed was also elected as a leader of a constitutional city-state government by a diverse community comprising of Christians, Jews, and Pagans, beside muslims. Muhammed is no longer alive, yet the rule applies to our leaders and governments. Democracies suffer greatly from the corrupting influence of lobbies that promote special interests, usually of the most powerful segments of the population. Financial contributions and favors provided by lobbies create a quid pro quo relationship between the lawmakers and the wealthy. Big governments allied with big corporations create one of the worst governments: the governments of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy, which we are asked to avoid (59:7). Such governments may drag an entire nation to unjustified wars of aggression to benefit big corporations, especially the weapons industry and the contractors who profit from such adventures, adventures that usually cost the lower class in terms of blood and higher cost of living. Thus, this verse recommends those who wish to lobby to pay some charity to the needy before asking for a conference with their elected leaders. This financial contribution for public good, not the valet of the elected officials, is a reminder to the parties that their conference should not betray the publicly declared interest of the people.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:12 O you who believe, if you wish to hold a private meeting with the messenger, you shall offer a charity before you do so. This is better for you, and purer. If you cannot do so, then God is Forgiver, Merciful.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:12 O YOU who have attained to faith! Whenever you [intend to] consult the Apostle, offer up something in charity on the occasion of your consultation:21 this will be for your own good, and more conducive to your [inner] purity. Yet if you are unable to do so,22 [know that,] verily, God is much-forgiving, a dispen­ser of grace.23

Note 21Cf. the saying of the Prophet: "The superiority of a learned man (alim) over a [mere]worshipper (abid) is like the superiority of the moon on the night when it is full over all other stars" (Ibn Hanbal, Abu Da'ud, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Darimi).

Note 22This call to an exercise of charity on every occasion (bayna yaday) of one's "consultation" with God's Apostle has been widely misunderstood as applying only to factual consultations with him, i.e., in his lifetime, supposedly with a view to lessening the encroachments on his time by some of his too-eager followers. This misunderstanding, together with the qualified dispensation from the above-mentioned injunction expressed in the next verse, has given rise to the unwar­ranted contention by some of the commentators that this injunction has been "abrogated". But apart from the fact that the theory of "abrogation" as such is entirely untenable (see 2:106 and the corresponding note 87), the above verse reveals its true meaning as soon as we realize that the term "the Apostle" (ar-rasul) is used in the Qur'an not merely to designate the unique person of the Prophet Muhammad but also the sum-total of the teachings conveyed by him to the world. This is evident from the many Quranic exhortations, "Pay heed unto God and the Apostle", and, more specifically (in 4:59 ), "if you are at variance over any matter, refer it unto God (i.e., the Qur'an) and the Apostle (i.e., his Sunnah)", which latter is but meant to elucidate the former. Taken in this sense, the above reference to a "consultation with the Apostle" obviously applies not only to his person and his contemporaries, but rather to his teachings in general and to believers of all times and environments. In other words, every believer is exhorted to "offer up something in charity" - whether it be material alms to a needy person, or the imparting of knowledge to such as may be in need of enlightenment, or even a mere word of kindness to a weak human being - whenever he intends to immerse himself in a study of the Apostle's teachings or, as the Qur'an phrases it, to "consult" him who has conveyed the divine writ to us.

Note 23Lit., "if you do not find", sc., anyone on whom to bestow charity at that particular moment, or have - for whatever reason - no opportunity to exercise it.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:12 O you who believe, when you wish to confer with the messenger, you shall offer a charity (to the poor) before you do so. This is better for you, and purer. If you cannot afford it, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:12 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Whenever you wish to confer with the Messenger by yourself, give something in charity to the needy or do an act of benevolence. That will be for your own good and erase the imprints of your faults on your own ‘self’. But if you have no opportunity, then, remember, God is Forgiving, Merciful.9

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:13 Are you reluctant to offer a charity before such a meeting? If you do not do it; and God had forgiven you; then you shall hold the contact prayer, contribute towards betterment, and obey God and His messenger. God is fully Aware of everything you do.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:13 Are you reluctant to offer a charity before such meeting? If you cannot do such, and God has forgiven you; then you shall hold the contact prayer, and contribute towards purification, and obey God and His messenger. God is fully Aware of everything you do.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:13 Do you, perchance, fear lest [you may be sinning if] you cannot offer up anything in charity on the occasion of your consultation [with the Apostle]? But if you fail to do it [for lack of opportunity], and God turns unto you in His mercy, remain but con­stant in prayer and render [no more than] the purify­ing dues,24 and [thus] pay heed unto God and His Apostle: for God is fully aware of all that you do.

Note 24I.e., the obligatory tax (zakah) which is meant to purify a believer's possessions and income from the taint of selfishness: implying that one's inability to do more by way of charity does not constitute a sin.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:13 If you failed to give to charity before conferring, then repented thereafter, GOD accepts your repentance. You shall observe the contact prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and obey GOD and His messenger. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:13 Is it that you are afraid of a transgression if you are not able to do such an act of kindness before you confer with the Messenger? Yet if you fail to find an opportunity to do it, God has already accepted your repentance. So, stay focused on establishing the Divine System, and setting up the Just Economic Order. Obey God and His Messenger. God is Aware of all you do.10

Note 1058:12. The command in these two verses, 12 and 13 is fully applicable even today. Whenever we 'confer' with God and His Messenger through studying the Qur’an, we should remind ourselves to do an act kindness to someone. This act of kindness certainly includes conveying even one verse to one person. ‘Each one teach one’. It is unfortunate that some of the traditional commentators consider these two verses abrogated after the exalted Prophet’s lifetime! The very thought of abrogation of any verses of the Qur’an is absolutely untenable and non-Qur’anic. 2:106

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:14 Have you noted those who befriended people with whom God is angry? They are now neither from you nor from them. They deliberately swear to lies while they know!

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:14 Have you noted those who befriended people with whom God is angry? They are now neither from you nor from them. And they deliberately swear to lies while they know!

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:14 ART THOU NOT aware of those who would be friends with people whom God has condemned?25 They are neither of you [O believers] nor of those [who utterly reject the truth]: and so they swear to a falsehood the while they know [it to be false].

Note 25For the meaning of "God's condemnation", see note on the last verse of Al-Fatihah. In this particular context, the ones "who would be friends with people whom God has condemned" are the half-hearted who - while dimly perceiving the truth of God's existence and self-revelation - are nevertheless unwilling to surrender themselves to this truth for fear of estranging themselves from their God-denying environment and, thus, of losing what they regard as the material advantages of a spiritually uncommitted life: and it is this moral falsehood to which the last sentence of this verse refers. (See also the last verse of surah 60.)

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)Choose Your Friends58:14 Have you noted those who befriended people with whom GOD is angry? They neither belong with you, nor with them. They deliberately swear lies!,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:14 Have you not seen those who befriend a people whom God disapproves? They are neither of you nor of them, and they knowingly swear on falsehood.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:17 Neither their money, nor their children will help them against God in the least. They have incurred the hellfire, in it they will abide.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:17 Neither their money nor their children will avail them anything from God. These are the dwellers of the Fire, in it they will abide.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:17 Neither their worldly possessions nor their offspring will be of the least avail to them against God: it is they who are destined for the fire, therein to abide!

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:17 Neither their money, nor their children will help them against GOD. They have incurred the hellfire, wherein they abide forever.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:17 Their wealth and their children and party will avail them not against God. It is those who are dwellers of the fire, therein to abide.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:18 The day will come when God resurrects them all. Then they will swear to Him, just as they swear to you, thinking that they actually are right! Indeed, they are the liars.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:18 The Day will come when God resurrects them all. Then they will swear to Him, just as they swear to you, thinking that they are actually right! Indeed, they are the liars.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:18 On the Day when God will raise them all from the dead, they will swear before Him as they [now] swear before you, thinking that they are on firm ground [in their assumptions].27 Oh, verily, it is they, they who are the [greatest] liars!28

Note 27Namely, that their preference of worldly benefits to a spiritual commitment is "reasonable" and, therefore, morally "justified". It is to this flagrant self-deception that the next sentence refers.

Note 28The definite article al prefixed to the participial noun kadhibun indicates that the people thus characterized have reached the utmost degree of self-deception; hence my interpolation of the adjective "greatest" in consonance with Zamakhshari 's interpretation of the above phrase.

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:18 The Day will come when GOD resurrects them all. They will swear to Him then, just as they swear to you now, thinking that they really are right! Indeed, they are the real liars.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:18 On the Day, when God will raise them all together, they will swear to Him then as they swear to you now, and they fancy that they have some standing. Nay! They are liars.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)The Party of Devil versus the Party of God58:19 The devil has overtaken them, and has caused them to forget the remembrance of God. These are the party of the devil. Absolutely, the party of the devil are the losers.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:19 The devil has overtaken them, and has caused them to forget the remembrance of God. These are the party of the devil. Absolutely, the party of the devil are the losers.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:19 Satan has gained mastery over them, and has caused them to remain oblivious of the remem­brance of God. Such as these are Satan's partisans: oh, verily, it is they, the partisans of Satan, who will truly be the losers!

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)58:19 The devil has possessed them, and has caused them to disregard GOD's message. These are the party of the devil. Absolutely, the party of the devil are the losers.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:19 Their selfish desires have overpowered them, and made them oblivious to God’s Reminder. Such folks are the party of the Satan. It is they, the Satan’s party, who are the ultimate losers.

Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)58:22 You will not find any people who acknowledge God and the Last day befriending those who oppose God and His messenger, even if they were their parents, or their children, or their siblings, or their tribe. For these, He decrees trust into their hearts, and supports them with a Spirit from Him, and He admits them into paradises with rivers flowing beneath, wherein they will abide. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the party of God. Most assuredly, the party of God are the winners.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)58:22 You will not find any people who believe in God and the Last Day leaning towards those who oppose God and His messenger, even if they were their parents, or their children, or their siblings, or their kin. For these, He decrees faith into their hearts, and supports them with a Spirit from Him, and He admits them into estates with rivers flowing beneath them; abiding therein. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the party of God. Most assuredly, the party of God are the winners.

Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)58:22 Thou canst not find people who [truly] believe in God and the Last Day and [at the same time] love anyone who contends against God and His Apostle - even though they be their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or [others of] their kindred.29 [As for the true believers,] it is they in whose hearts He has inscribed faith, and whom He has strength­ened with inspiration from Himself,30 and whom [in time] He will admit into gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide. Well-pleased is God with them, and well-pleased are they with Him. They are God's partisans: oh, verily, it is they, the partisans of God, who shall attain to a happy state!

Note 29The operative phrase of this passage is contained in the words, "anyone who contends against (man hadda) God and His Apostle": i.e., anyone who is engaged in active hostility against God's message and the person or the teachings of His Apostle. As regards relations with non-believers who are not actively hostile to Islam, the Qur'an explicitly permits and implicitly ordains in many places (e.g., in 60:8) kindness and friendliness towards them.

Note 30For my rendering of ruh as "inspiration" or, occasionally, as "divine inspiration", see note 2 on 16:2. As pointed out by Zamakhshari , the pronominal suffix in minhu may relate to God - as in my rendering - or to the believers' faith, in which latter case the phrase could be rendered as "strengthened with inspiration [flowing] there-from".

Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)Run For Your Life58:22 You will not find people who believe in GOD and the Last Day befriending those who oppose GOD and His messenger, even if they were their parents, or their children, or their siblings, or their tribe. For these, He decrees faith into their hearts, and supports them with inspiration from Him, and admits them into gardens with flowing streams wherein they abide forever. GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the party of GOD. Most assuredly, GOD's party are the winners.,

Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)58:22 You will not find those who truly believe in God and the Last Day endear anyone who opposes God and His Messengers, even though they be their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their tribe. God has inscribed conviction on their hearts, and has strengthened them with Energy from Himself. So, He will admit them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. Well pleased is God with them, and well pleased are they with Him. Certainly, they are the party of God. It is they, the party of God, who are truly successful.